Florida A&M U. Suspends Its Search for a New President

By Jack Stripling
March 15, 2013

For the second time in as many months, a public university in Florida has called off a presidential search just before its expected conclusion.

Florida A&M University will temporarily suspend its search for a president because its governing board has concluded it would be "irresponsible" to name a new president at a time when the university's regional accreditation is at risk, Solomon L. Badger III, chairman of the board, said in a written statement on Friday.

In January the University of Florida made a similar announcement, opting to keep J. Bernard Machen on as president rather than name his successor as expected.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Colleges placed Florida A&M on probation in December, following the hazing death of a marching-band member.

"It would also be eminently unfair to bring in a new president as FAMU's accreditation hangs in the balance," Mr. Badger said.